[petsc-dev] Handling pull requests in a better way

[Karl Rupp]

Dear PETSc folks,

I think we can do a better job when it comes to handling pull requests 
(PRs). We have several PRs piling up, which after some time (imho) get 
merged relatively carelessly instead of reaping the full benefits of a 
thorough review.

In order to improve the integration of pull requests, I propose to 
nominate a PR integrator, who is a-priori responsible for *all* incoming 
PRs. The PR integrator is free to delegate a particular PR integration 
to someone with the relevant domain-specific knowledge (e.g. Matt for 
DMPlex-related things) by appropriate comments on Bitbucket. In case of 
delays, the PR integrator is also responsible for issuing reminders over 
time (like Barry has done in the past).

The idea is to make daily progress with the PRs. One integration step 
per day (e.g. testing or merging to next) is presumably enough to handle 
the load, whereas things get messy if we let things pile up. Automated 
testing may help a bit in the future, but it doesn't release us from 
properly reviewing the contributed code.

Any objections to my PR integrator proposal? Any volunteers? ;-)
If nobody else wants to be the highly esteemed PR integrator, I can do 
it. ;-)

Best regards,
Karli